The 2027 Block of the Month quilt for The Quilt Show was announced in May 2026 and there has been much "BUZZ" about it: Flight of the Bumblebee. Designed by Ricky Tims and Alex Anderson, it will be taught by the three of us beginning in January 2027. Here are the mockups people where shown:
The hand-dyed fabrics from Bali, Indonesia are being made right now. Pre-orders of the Fabric Kits were only available until May 31, 2026 so a final count could be made for production. There was a LOT of interest.
My job is to test the pattern by making Alex's quilt top in the Mountain Meadows colorway, and then provide additional instruction and support throughout next year to all those around the world who will be making this quilt. I will be making another one of these, for myself this time, in the Ocean Waves colorway. Mine will be a little different--I have a few ideas to make it my own. Stay tuned.
I spent much of April and May making all the pieced sections. I estimate about 60 plus hours went into them. And I learned things!
August 28 I received all the applique sections from Alex Anderson. It was time to add them to all the pieced sections I made and get the top complete.
The decision was made to have Patty Wilson, a local longarm quilter extraordinaire, quilt it before I fly it to California September 27. That's a big deal and Patty was gracious enough to fit this big job into her schedule.
From Friday until Tuesday I spent 30 hours completing the top. There was some additional applique and embroidery to complete after the sections were joined--they go over the seams in the Flower Garden backgrounds.
I got it done, in less time than expected but I was TIRED when it was done. Patty has it now and will work her magic to make it spectacular!
Just a few photos to inspire you. After the quilting there will be many more photos:
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| Ta-da! The top is done! 84" square |
Once done, I thought, "Wow, I have an extra two weeks now to get ready for the week long teaching trip in California."
